HCCC Reports Record Summer Enrollment

Hudson County Community College has reported a more than 45 percent increase in summer enrollment following the launch of its Free Summer Initiative, aimed at accelerating student graduation rates.

As of mid-June, over 3,000 students enrolled in Summer Session 1, surpassing a 14-year record by more than 650 students. Continuing student enrollment alone rose by 47 percent. Summer Session 2 has already exceeded previous year-end totals by over 11 percent.

The initiative offers up to seven summer credits at no cost to credential-seeking continuing students, with most participants also receiving aid through programs such as Summer Pell and NJ TAG. According to the college, the program has been revenue-positive, with over $3.1 million in grants awarded so far this summer—double the amount from last year.

Internal research showed that full-time students who take summer courses between their first and second year are up to eight times more likely to graduate within two years. Nearly 60 percent of Summer 2025 students are already enrolled for the fall semester, making them three times more likely to continue compared to peers.

“By removing financial barriers and encouraging students to remain engaged year-round, we’re not just helping them earn credits—we’re helping them persist toward graduation,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber.